Own Your Strengths, Own Your Flaws

Understanding who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are, is crucial to having a better life (and career).

Anyone who has interviewed for a job has likely come across the cliché question – ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ And we try to give the most appropriate answer that will get us the job, without really analyzing what our strengths and weaknesses actually are.

Well, now is the time to do it properly. Set some time aside where you won’t be disturbed, and get out a notebook. This isn’t going to be an easy task, but it will be worthwhile.

Identifying Your Strengths

Think about what people have been telling you over the years. Are you thoughtful and caring? Are you a great cook? Speak well in front of crowds? Write all of these down. You can even ask a few friends and family members what they consider to be your strengths.

Look at the ones that come up often. If more than one person is noticing it, then you can consider it a strength.

Look at your list of strengths. Acknowledge them. Believe them.

Now, decide how you can use them to the best of your advantage. What activities or jobs make use of your strengths? By focusing your interests and career on your strengths, you are more likely to not only enjoy what you, but also will be more successful.

Identifying Your Weaknesses

‘Weakness’ is not a great word – it has a lot of negativity associated with it. Rather, consider these traits that you are not naturally great at.

If our weaknesses or flaws are having a negative impact on ourselves or those around us (for example, being overly critical), then being aware of this can help with adjusting our behaviour.

If the weakness or flaw is just something we are not very good at (running or cooking, for example) we can acknowledge it, and accept it (or ‘own’ it). Instead of trying to run to keep fit, you can cycle. Instead of stressing about cooking dinner, order from a meal delivery service